The new year has come and we are now in the "Countdown" phase until Anime Boston 2017. Due to that, now may be a good time to start this thread. That way, there is one place to fill all your weather needs. The same as last year, I will post the official weather data after the convention is over.

We are now only a few weeks away from Anime Boston and we now have a somewhat better idea of what to expect. First and foremost, let's talk about past years:

Of the past years, 4 of them were around the same time, AB2010, AB2012, AB2015, and AB2016. If we were to include all the past years that occurred in March, then we must include AB2008 and AB2014. Regarding rain or snow, only AB2015 and AB2016 have had some rain but AB2016 had rain during the convention hours while AB2015 had rain overnight. As a little fact, there has been no recorded Anime Boston that had snow. Wind is an entirely different story though. AB2008 is the windiest year recorded averaging 16.32mph for all 3 days. Of course, that would also mean they had the strongest wind average recorded in a day on the Friday of AB2008 with 23.98mph. Strongest wind and wind gust however goes to AB2015 where the strongest wind was recorded on the Saturday of AB2015 with 29.9mph and on the same day, the wind gust reached 48.3mph. And as for their temperatures, it ranges from 40F to 77F for the highs, with AB2016 being the coldest with an average of 43.0F and AB2010 being the warmest with an average of 69.33F.

Now jump to this year and already, it has been strange. First and foremost is that January and February have been pretty warm. Due to that, it is safe to assume that by the time Anime Boston comes around, it should be warm. However, looking at this weekend (March 4-6) and the cold has returned. So what will be the safest bet. Well, in all honesty, it is uncertain. However, some models may give some clues.

Temperature
In all honesty, it would be safe to say that temperatures may be on the colder side (35F - 50F). The reason for this is some models are hinting for late March to be colder. Considering the average for this particular time of year is 48F and it makes sense for the range.

Rain or Snow
Seeing how this year has been so far, I can say there is a minimal chance of either rain or snow. That does not mean there is no chance of it but in all honesty, it is way too early to tell anything. It is better to start checking for snow/rain after March 15. Also, I do not think there is a chance of snow other than overnight and even that, I don't think the snow will pile up.

My experience is weather in New England is unpredictable more than 10 days out. I live 25 miles outside of Boston, the weather here can be different then Boston. Boston has it's own weather system due to the tall buildings, tons of concrete and close by the sea shore. The 10 day forecast gets better. The 3 day forecast is mostly right. Always set you weather app to City of Boston. If I have to pick a location I use WBZ or Logan Airport.

The running joke is: If you want to know what the weather is look out the window.

My experience is weather in New England is unpredictable more than 10 days out. I live 25 miles outside of Boston, the weather here can be different then Boston. Boston has it's own weather system due to the tall buildings, tons of concrete and close by the sea shore. The 10 day forecast gets better. The 3 day forecast is mostly right. Always set you weather app to City of Boston. If I have to pick a location I use WBZ or Logan Airport.

The running joke is: If you want to know what the weather is look out the window.

That's not entirely true. A saying that I give, and the National Weather Service of Boston agrees with me on this, is:

I will admit, that isn't entirely true as weather in Boston can be so unpredictable that weather can, and have in the past, changed in as little as 6 hours.

Also would like to note that sometimes, weather at Boston Logan Airport is different than that at say Boston Commons. Although weather forecast from Logan is OK and acceptable, you can also search for a Back Bay option since most weather apps have a weather station in that area.

Just wanted to put an update out there. With Anime Boston being just weeks away, this year may be the first year Anime Boston will have to deal with snow. Although I can not say anything definitive since they are too far out, the met community is currently watching 2 storms. This is a run down of what we know so far:

Nor'easter on March 14
As you guys may have heard by now, we are expecting a full on blizzard here in Boston for Tuesday. Although there is no official word on snow totals, there is a general consensus that most places will get more than 9 inches of snow. Before you say anything, I am aware that many are saying 12+ inches and that is most likely the case but remember, the storm is now a little over 48 hours away and shifts can still happen, although personally I do not think it will be major shifts. This storm will have a trifecta of not only snow but wind (with possible hurricane force winds) and astronomically high tides due to an almost full moon.

Storm for next weekend?
Yes, that is right. There is a chance that Boston may be getting another winter storm for sometime next weekend. Of course, this is still more than a week away so it is just something to think about at this time.

Anyway, this is why I start the weather post every year, so that any concerns can be discussed before the big weekend.

It snowed on April 1st a couple of years ago. I want to say 2009 or 2010. But it was a slush light snow that didn't stick. The next day it was sunny I believe. But after that it was the last snow fall of the Spring.

Just got word that there is a small indication for snow sometime between March 24-27. Of course, things can change but that is something to keep in mind.

As for historical data, I can help with that.

March 30 - Last time it snowed on this day was in 2015, Light Snow and Light Rain reported, bringing only a trace
March 31 - Last time it snowed on this day was in 2014, Mostly Rain but it changed to Snow overnight before going back to Rain and Ice Pellets
April 1 - Last time it snowed on this day was in 2011, Light Snow and Ice Pellets changing to Rain
April 2 - Last time it snowed on this day was in 2013, Light Snow passing around midday, bringing only a trace
April 3 - Last time it snowed on this day was in 2016, Rain and Snow with less than an inch of snow accumulation by noon.

We are now 10-days away and if you guys have never experienced me before, I like to post the forecast of all major media outlets for the Boston area. I also tend to do it at 10 days before the con, 7 days before the con, and 3 days before the con. Anyway, we have our first predictions for Anime Boston 2017. Keep in mind that this is so far away that the smallest thing can change the forecast dramatically. Anyway, here we go:

For sure the winter is slowly moving forward into the next year. Before people throw a snowball at me. I'm talking on average. Less snow in Nov-Dec and more snow later in the new year. Ask an old timer.

The weather can get into a cycle of rain every night, then anything from overcast to sunny in the day. Hoping this will happen. Something the sky looks bad but it doesn't rain. Sometimes it just sprinkles rain. Or it can rain. I do carry a light weight raincoat in my back pack. One you can stuff in a small sack.

If your a cosplayer coming from out of state, out of the country. I would suggest you bring something to cover your outfit. There is some cover from the rain at the Boylston Street entrance. If the line gets to long there will be no cover.

As my grandpa used to say, "If you don't like the weather, wait awhile." It makes New England a great place to live.

For sure the winter is slowly moving forward into the next year. Before people throw a snowball at me. I'm talking on average. Less snow in Nov-Dec and more snow later in the new year. Ask an old timer.

The weather can get into a cycle of rain every night, then anything from overcast to sunny in the day. Hoping this will happen. Something the sky looks bad but it doesn't rain. Sometimes it just sprinkles rain. Or it can rain. I do carry a light weight raincoat in my back pack. One you can stuff in a small sack.

If your a cosplayer coming from out of state, out of the country. I would suggest you bring something to cover your outfit. There is some cover from the rain at the Boylston Street entrance. If the line gets to long there will be no cover.

As my grandpa used to say, "If you don't like the weather, wait awhile." It makes New England a great place to live.

I can definitely agree with that, which is why I do not want the first snow until around or after Christmas every year (I'm a snow lover btw). If memory serves correctly, the snow season of 2014-2015 that brought a massive amount of snowfall in Boston actually started in mid-January.

Hopefully, we do get the cycle of some form of rain every night as Boston and the surrounding area is still technically in a drought.

When I looked earlier today, it was saying chance of rain on 4/1 and 4/2.
This is why it is very hard to plan things in advance, as the forecasters keep changing their minds.

If this was Equestria, our area's weather would be under the control of a team of pegasi who are either drunk or just escaped the loony bin.

Anything 3+ days will always change. However, it does give an idea of the trend for now. Mind you, I have to mention that last week, they were signalling 50s/60s for this weekend and that looks like it won't be happening.

So I originally had plans to post the graphics like I have been doing the past couple of times but my internet connection decided to fail. Luckily, I still have my phone. Anyway, let's start this conversation with a 4 letter word.... SNOW!

Yes, you are not imagining. There is growing signs that this year, Anime Boston may be experiencing snow for the first time in it's history. Although WUnderground says 3-5 inches of snow (as of the time of this posting anyway), I just don't see it. It is most likely that yes, there will be snow but it will be minimal and give way to rain. All in all, quite a gloomy day. In fact, this Anime Boston may be the wettest convention as well.

Anyway, I will try to get the graphics up later but right now, that is what I am seeing.

And don't think I forgot about the travelers. Bring warm clothes and an umbrella because it certainly does look like you are going to need it.

And here we go, the graphics for the 3 day countdown (yes, I am counting today...). Remember, you can pretty much disregard the 3-5 inches of snow that WUnderground put out since that looks really unrealistic at the moment. It sounds more likely that it will go from Snow to Rain. I may just do another update on Thursday around late-afternoon to evening since Friday is looking quite interesting at this point.

Sounds like for Friday and Saturday especially, folks should plan for rain. Likely all day.

...If you plan to go to the Swap Meet, use the Bag Check in the Hynes so you don't have to go back to your Hotel Room. Cosplayers wearing revealing costumes should dress for the weather going in unless they don't mind catching a cold.

Haha thanks. I do this for work since I am part of the Events Staff who has events from time to time outdoors. Knowing the weather is beneficial for that line of work. I'd figure that since Anime Boston is typically at the end of the slow season for the events department city-wide, I'd use the opportunity to freshen my skills before the busy season begins. It also helps that I follow at least a dozen mets (professionals, professors, and hobbyist) on Twitter that gives a better understanding of the whole situation.

Now as for the storm, it is indeed looking more and more like Friday will be a snow event. However, looks like it will be late in the day, most likely at night. I will see if I can get a hourly forecast for the day but I don't think I can until Thursday morning.

From my experience living here, Friday and Saturday will be a damp cold, feels colder then it is.

Mixed rain and snow means, in any time frame it could be just rain, just snow, snow with rain, short time with no rain or snow. It is a guessing game of what the next hour will bring. Any snow on the ground will be melted by the rain.

At night there could be patches of ice on the ground, or your car. When driving it is hard to see an ice patch on the road because it looks like just water on the road.

The good news is the line for the Boylston street entrance starts indoors.

From my experience living here, Friday and Saturday will be a damp cold, feels colder then it is.

Mixed rain and snow means, in any time frame it could be just rain, just snow, snow with rain, short time with no rain or snow. It is a guessing game of what the next hour will bring. Any snow on the ground will be melted by the rain.

At night there could be patches of ice on the ground, or your car. When driving it is hard to see an ice patch on the road because it looks like just water on the road.

The good news is the line for the Boylston street entrance starts indoors.

Sunday the sun will come out. Welcome to Boston weather.

Not a truer statement that this...

Anyway, there is a growing consensus that the storm will begin as a Snow and/or Mix after 6pm Friday and stay as mostly Snow after 8pm. It will then change overnight into mix and/or rain. It will become all rain on Saturday and end sometime in the afternoon. Snow accumulation, as of now, looks to be a dusting to 1 inch but then will melt as the weather changes to rain. I will be watching this closely and come back with more results as we get closer to Anime Boston.

Well I was going to cart around my umbrella anyway.>_< The only problem is picking out a jacket that won't interfere with my poor swords. I'm almost regretting not bringing lady Edna to the party seeing as she come with the umbrella as the prop.

Here is something to remember: the 'April Fools Storm' was 20 years ago.

I think it's safe to say we can blame this comment for jinxing us...

All jokes aside, time for an update.

Snow
Yes, it is looking more and more like we will be having snow this Anime Boston. How much is still uncertain but most have bumped up the accumulation to 1-3 inches. I have a feeling the bump is for the entirety of the storm and not just Friday.

Temperature
As far as temperature goes, this year's Anime Boston may be the coldest on record. The current record holder is Anime Boston 2016 with a 3-day average of 43F. This year may be cold enough to have a 3-day average under 41F.

Timing
As I have stated before, the timing of the storm looks to start in the late afternoon as a snow/mix and change over to all snow by nightfall. Overnight, the snow will turn into rain and by Saturday opening, should be all rain. However, there seems to be new data saying the rain will turn back into snow by late morning and the storm should end sometime in Saturday afternoon.

Wind
This storm is set to be windy but how windy is still uncertain. Looks like the wind will start to pick up Friday afternoon and extend into all day Saturday. As of now, the windiest Anime Boston occurred in 2008 while the windiest day and gust were reported in Anime Boston 2015. I think this may rival one of those records.

Unpredictable and Complex
Welcome to New England, where weather is always unpredictable and complex. Anyway, there are many variables to this storm that is uncertain at this time and may just end up like the last couple of storms, changing at the very last minute. With that said, do not be surprise to see the snow totals change up until Friday morning. Also, do not be surprised if the weather models and graphics say one thing and at the end, the weather comes out to be completely different.

Not much I can say at this point. I will be posting the graphics Thursday morning as I have work to deal with in the afternoon and evening so I really can't update anything at that time.

The only problem is picking out a jacket that won't interfere with my poor swords.
Thank you for the heads up.

A cheap clear plastic poncho may work better than a jacket. It will fit loosely and still keep the rain off you. You can make one out of a large trash bag. By cutting a hole for your head in the bottom of the bag.

Sorry guys, could not get the graphics earlier today as I've been pretty busy. Anyways, things have changed.

First and formost, it appears the snow is likely to start earlier than expected. It looks like it will be an all day ebent, starting around 8am Friday and continue into Saturday where it should turn into rain around opening hours. It also looks to change back to snow Saturday afternoon.

Snow accumulation has varied with a majority saying 0-4 inches. However NWS Boston has given out the Winter Storm Watch for Boston with a prediction of 4-6 inches. I will come on later tonight when I get free.

It seams like the weather guys like to go with the worst case scenario. Most of the time its not as bad as they predict.

You have no idea how true and false this statement is. What I mean is most meteorologist (and I mean the pros like the ones on TV with an AMS certification) likes to rely on 1 or 2 weather models. Nothing wrong with that except those models tend to never be good for 0-48 forecasting. The weather models that actually do a good job within those hours, most likely or not, get's dismissed.

Of course, they are also looking for ratings so the sometimes over-sensationalize the actual story.

Temperature
In all honesty, it would be safe to say that temperatures may be on the colder side (35F - 50F). The reason for this is some models are hinting for late March to be colder. Considering the average for this particular time of year is 48F and it makes sense for the range.

I think I did pretty good with this prediction when it came to the temperature. The highs for all 3 days were:

Friday - 39F

Saturday - 37.9F

Sunday - 57F

And were there any records broken? The answer is yes, and there are many of them.

General Records

Snowiest AB of all time - 1.2 inches (First AB with snow)

Wettest AB of all time - 2.43 inches (Beating AB 2013 - 0.99 inches)

Coldest Day of all time - April 1, 2017 - 37.9F (Beating March 21, 2008 - 40F)

Wettest Day of all time - April 1, 2017 - 1.67 inches (Beating May 24, 2013 - 0.57 inches)

Snowiest Day of all time - April 1, 2017 - 1.2 inches (First AB with Snow)

Month Records

Coldest Day in March - March 31, 2017 - 39F (Beating March 21, 2008 - 40F)

Coldest Day in April - April 1, 2017 - 37.9F (Beating April 18, 2003 - 43F)

Saturday morning April, 1st around 10 AM and 11AM or the last time I could see outside it was snowing/raining. The mall entrance line to go into the con had to be brought outside. It began crowding. So that was harsh to see. Was there a line formed outside from the boylston entrance throughout the weekend?

Saturday morning April, 1st around 10 AM and 11AM or the last time I could see outside it was snowing/raining. The mall entrance line to go into the con had to be brought outside. It began crowding. So that was harsh to see. Was there a line formed outside from the boylston entrance throughout the weekend?

Not that I seen. I would check outside from time to time from the Hynes corridors and only saw a line of about 10 people on the Boylston side.